How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at California Medical Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at California Medical Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of California Medical Facility.

Frequently asked questions about California Medical Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by California Medical Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to California Medical Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at California Medical Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at California Medical Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at California Medical Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of California Medical Facility?

   Mailing address:

   California Medical Facility
   1600 California Dr
   Vacaville, CA 95687
   Phone: (707) 448-6841

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at California Medical Facility?

   Visiting hours at California Medical Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (707) 448-6841 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to California Medical Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with California Medical Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at California Medical Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at California Medical Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at California Medical Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At California Medical Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at California Medical Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact California Medical Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at California Medical Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Disability Placement Program (DPP) at California Medical Facility represents a comprehensive approach to serving incarcerated individuals with various disabilities, providing specialized instruction through adaptive software and assistive technologies for those with vision, hearing, speech, mobility impairments, and wheelchair users. This program works alongside robust educational opportunities that include Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) preparation through the Voluntary Education Program. Students can advance their technical skills through Career Technical Education in Computer and Related Technology, with opportunities to earn Microsoft Digital Literacy and Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications using the facility's computer lab and on-line testing capabilities.

Academic advancement continues through partnerships with multiple educational institutions, offering face-to-face college programs through Solano Community College and distance learning opportunities through Coastline Community College, Lassen Community College, Ohio State University, and California Coast University. The facility's Computer-Based GED Exam Center provides convenient testing options for those pursuing their high school equivalency. Beyond educational services, California Medical Facility may offer additional programming typical of state correctional institutions, which could include substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, vocational training in various trades, and reentry preparation services designed to support successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The California Medical Facility in Vacaville operates with structured educational and vocational programming that shapes much of the incarcerated individuals' daily schedules. Students enrolled in the Career Technical Education program may spend portions of their day in computer labs working toward Microsoft Digital Literacy and Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, while others attend classes through partnerships with institutions like Solano Community College for face-to-face instruction or engage in distance learning opportunities through Coastline Community College and other universities. The facility's Computer-Based GED Exam Center and On-Line CTE Testing Lab typically accommodate those working toward high school equivalency credentials, with academic programming including Adult Basic Education and GED preparation courses integrated throughout the daily routine.

For individuals with disabilities, the Disability Placement Program provides specialized classroom instruction and computer training with adaptive software, often requiring modified daily schedules to accommodate various accessibility needs. The facility generally maintains structured meal times, recreational periods, and work assignments that may include maintenance duties, kitchen services, or participation in vocational training programs. Medical appointments and healthcare services are typically scheduled throughout the day, given the facility's medical focus.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visiting procedures available for approved family members and friends. Incarcerated individuals may send and receive correspondence through the designated mailing address at P.O. Box 2000, Vacaville, CA 95696-2000, while families can send financial support through the money order system at P.O. Box 2500. The facility typically maintains regular visiting hours and provides resources to help families navigate the visitation process, though specific scheduling and procedures may vary based on security levels and individual circumstances.